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Jon Siegrist Sends Castles in the Sky 5.14 in Rockies

Jon Siegrist wrapped up his Canadian climbing trip with the fifth ascent of Castles in the Sky 5.14a on Castle Mountain near the town of Banff.

The multi-pitch high and wild bolted climb was established in 2014 by Sonnie Trotter and did not receive another ascent until this year.

First was Sam Tucker, who’d attempted the climb last year, followed by Sasha DiGiulian and Mike Doyle.

Siegirst’s climb comes at the end of an impressive trip to the Rockies with sends of Honour and Glory 5.14d, Prime Time 5.14c, Iron Butterfly 5.14c and The Path 5.14R.

Siegrist is the first to suggest the route might not be 5.14a and said, “The crux on this multi-pitch is characterized by one of the most outrageous and exposed aretes I can imagine, hanging 600 feet above the Bow Valley with totally wild and committing movement.

“Sending the monster arete in howling wind was certainly exhilarating. It was such a rad way to say goodbye to this totally amazing valley and to stoke the fire for a return.

“Thank you Shaina Savoy for the support on the send. Personally, I think the route is probably more like 5.13+ but whatever the grade it’s an experience that I would highly recommend.”

Siegrist also visited Squamish for a few days and climbed Supermanboy 5.14c. He’s now off to a bigger project this fall.

For our final day in Canada we voyaged up to Castle Mountain to have a try at ‘Castles in the Sky’. The crux on this multipitch is characterized by one of the most outrageous and exposed aretes I can imagine, hanging 600 feet above the Bow Valley with totally wild and committing movement. Sending the monster arete in howling wind was certainly exhilarating! It was such a rad way to say goodbye to this totally amazing valley and to stoke the fire for a return. Thank you @shainasavoy for the support on the send! Personally, I think the route is probably more like .13+ but whatever the grade it’s an experience that I would highly recommend. We’ll miss you Canada!!! @arcteryx @lasportivana @metoliusclimbing @maximropes @climbonproducts @zealoptics @theprobar @vertical.life.climbing #castlemountain #alberta #banffnationalpark

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